A month ago, Raquel Look organized a ceremony in Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec, to commemorate the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, assaults in Israel that claimed her son Alexandre Look’s life. Alexandre was among the 1,200 individuals who perished that day when Hamas militants attacked a music festival in southern Israel, abducting 251 others, as verified by Israeli sources. Alexandre bravely sacrificed himself while defending fellow shelter-seekers within a bunker, with his parents listening helplessly over the phone at home. The ceremony, held on Monday in Côte Saint-Luc, a Montreal suburb, at a park named after Alexandre Look, aimed to pay tribute to the victims. Raquel Look mentioned that the event held special significance as it coincided with the liberation of the final 20 surviving Israeli hostages. She reflected, “I feel Alex guided me to this day, always ensuring that even the darkest days hold a glimmer of joy.” This day had been long-awaited by many in Montreal’s Jewish community, with Raquel Look expressing the collective anticipation and unity felt during the wait for the hostages’ release.
During the ceremony, several speakers hailed Alexandre as a hero, turning what was initially a sorrowful occasion into one of celebration. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, representing Mount Royal, described the Look family’s journey as a reminder that behind the present joy lies a harrowing past. He expressed optimism for lasting peace in the Middle East, rejoicing in the hostages’ release. Eta Yudin, Vice President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, echoed these sentiments, underlining the hope for a new beginning post the Oct. 7 events. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, led to the release of numerous prisoners by Israel, including Montrealer Niall Clapham Ricardo, a member of Independent Jewish Voices. Ricardo pointed out the mixed emotions surrounding the prisoners’ liberation, recognizing the toll the conflict had taken on Gaza and its inhabitants. Faraj Nakhleh, a long-time Canadian resident originally from the Palestinian territories, emphasized the positive impact of the hostages’ release on both sides, stressing the need for reconciliation and the arduous journey to rebuild shattered lives.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared a famine in Gaza in mid-August, painting a dire picture of over half a million people facing severe conditions marked by starvation and destitution. A subsequent United Nations inquiry alleged that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, sparking controversy. McGill University political science professor Rex Brynen highlighted the monumental task ahead in rebuilding Gaza, given the dire state of essential services. Brynen expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the Trump 20-point plan and emphasized the international community’s crucial role in holding Hamas and Israel accountable for their commitments.